MOTOGP SACHSENRING 2015 - THE RACE

BAUTISTA FINISHES THE GERMAN GP IN 14th PLACE
RACE DEBUT AND 20th PLACE FOR MICHAEL LAVERTY

Sachsenring (Germany), 12 July 2015 - Alvaro Bautista rode his Aprilia RS-GP to fourteenth place in the German GP which means two more championship points for Aprilia Racing Team Gresini.

Alvaro had a great start which took him to twelfth place at the end of the first lap and, more importantly, in contact with the central part of the group. Rear tyre wear and consequent loss of grip slowed him a bit in the second half of the race but didn't keep him from winning a few battles, especially with Barbera and Miller, to finish in the points. Michael Laverty, riding his first race astride the V4 from Noale, finished the race, contributing to collecting data which is the primary goal of the Italian team this season.

ROMANO ALBESIANO (Aprilia Racing Manager)

“With Bautista we had good performance in the opening laps. We knew we would have trouble over race distance due to the loss of rear grip. But Alvaro did a really good job and kept fighting throughout the entire race. In the end we achieved a good placement that boosts our confidence and brings home more championship points. Now we have a work plan to take another step forward since we have a clear idea of which areas need improvement that this race confirmed for us. Michael did a good job as a test rider which is what we expected from him in this race, consistently improving throughout the weekend.”

FAUSTO GRESINI (Team Manager)

“We achieved our goal, finishing the race in the points and collecting more valuable information. I'm pleased with the Alvaro's performance, getting off the line well and battling even when he began to lose grip with worn tyres. We are having a few problems with traction in the second part of the race and we're working to improve this aspect. The data collected today will help us to progress. Laverty rode a good race, crossing the wire and adapting well to the RS-GP in race conditions, managing to maintain a good pace, especially toward the end.”

ALVARO BAUTISTA

“I made a great start, moving up a few positions and in the early laps I was able to stay with the second group easily. With new tyres we do well. Unfortunately when the tyre started to wear I struggled with the lack of rear grip. We made some changes to the electronics with the team (and my thanks goes to them for the great job they are doing) specifically to handle this situation and by changing the settings I was able to finish without taking too many risks. The placement is good but now we need to improve this aspect in the second half of the race, just like we were able to successfully solve the chattering problem that hindered me at Assen."

MICHAEL LAVERTY

“I got off the line well and was battling with the Open Hondas and Baz. I felt comfortable but at a certain point I began to lose rear grip going into turns. I dropped back a few positions and then I wasn't able to make up the lost ground. It's a shame because in the last ten laps I began to figure out how to ride in those conditions, moving my position forward and putting more weight on the front tyre. I learned a lot in this race. It was a great experience and I am quite pleased with how it went.”